Second crypto billionaire donates record $49m to far-right Reform UK

A second British billionaire, Christopher Harborne, has donated nearly $49 million to the Reform UK party, matching a similar donation made by fellow billionaire Ben Delo the previous day. These two pledges bring the total sum pledged to Reform since Friday to $97 million. Harborne, a cryptocurrency investor based in Thailand, stated his donation was a "philanthropic gift" to the country. The donations come amid a criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Police into whether Reform UK accepted illegal foreign donations. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage welcomed the contributions, stating the donors want a government that will "fix Britain." Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Reform UK, suggesting that large donations cannot buy integrity.

Cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne has donated £36 million to Reform UK, matching a previous donation of the same amount from fellow billionaire Ben Delo. These combined donations represent the largest ever made to a UK political party and are expected to renew calls for a cap on political donations. Reform leader Nigel Farage expressed his gratitude, stating the donations will allow the party to compete in the upcoming general election. Harborne stated his donation is made without expectation of personal gain, aiming instead for a party prepared for government and a better future for Britain. The article also notes that Reform UK and Farage are facing scrutiny regarding their finances, with ongoing investigations by the Metropolitan police and a parliamentary standards inquiry into a prior £5 million gift to Farage.

Cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne has donated £36 million to Britain's anti-immigration Reform UK party. This donation, made on Saturday, matches a similar record contribution received by Nigel Farage's party just a day prior. In less than 48 hours, Reform UK has received a total of £72 million from two donors. This significant funding comes as the party prepares for the next election and faces allegations of funding irregularities, which it denies. The total amount donated exceeds the spending of both the Labour and Conservative parties in the previous election campaign. The funds are intended to help Reform UK gain voter support before the election, scheduled for by 2029.

Reform UK has received a record £36 million donation from British cryptocurrency billionaire Ben Delo. Delo, who was previously convicted in the US for anti-money laundering control failures but pardoned by Donald Trump, is now the largest political donor in the UK. This substantial contribution significantly surpasses previous donations and comes at a time when Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces investigations into overseas funding and undeclared gifts. Delo stated his motivation stems from a belief that UK elites are hindering national recovery and that he is becoming politically active for the first time. The donation has reignited discussions about capping large political donations in the UK, with some MPs expressing concern about their potential to distort elections.